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UNDER SAILING ORDERS 



A COMEDY IN ONE ACT 



BY 

HELEN P. KANE 

Author of "White Dove of Oneida," "Upsetting of Jabez 

Strong," "Future Lady Holland," "Peregrinations of Polly," 

"Bundle of Matches," etc. 



Copyright, 1912, bt Dick & Fitzgeraijj 



NEW YORK 
DICK & FITZGERALD 

18 Ann Street 






UNDER SAILING ORDERS 



CHARACTERS 



Raymond Alling Yachtsman formerly Yale man 

Antonia Wayne. .Engaged to P. Churchill, formerly betrothed 

to Alling 

Time — The present. Scene — A yacht cabin. 
Time of Playing — Fifty minutes. 



COSTUMES 



Alling. White yachting suit. 

Antonia. White yachting suit, wearing hat and coat at first 
entrance. Scene II. Same suit, with scarf, also wears engage- 
ment ring. 

INCIDENTAL PROPERTIES 

Letter, writing material, cheque book, tray with cigar ashes, 
glasses, books, cushions, rugs, two ring-boxes and two rings, 
tray with sweetmeats and two small cups of coffee. 

STAGE DIRECTIONS 

As seen by a performer on the stage facing the audience, r., 
means right hand; l. ( left hand; c, center of stage; l. c, left of 
center; r. e., right entrance; l. e., left entrance; up, toward 
back of stage; down, toward footlights. 

2 



CI.D 3.0426 



UNDER SAILING ORDERS 



SCENE I. 



SCENE. Cabin of the "Lorelei" luxuriously furnished with 
Turkish effect in couches, cushions and rugs. Table l. c. 
with arm-chair either side. Books on shelf, r. Entrance 
from deck down r. Desk l. Entrance to stateroom 
down L. with portiere. Port zvith curtains, center back. 
Swinging lights. Wine glasses on table, and tray with cigar 
ashes. 

ENTER Alling r. e., goes to desk, opens it, sits and writes 
busily. Reads over letter, nods. 

Alling. I think that's all right. (Takes cheque book from 
pocket, fills in cheque, looks at it and laughs) Cheeky! But 
then so is the whole business! (Folds and puts letter in envel- 
ope, addresses, seals, and puts in his pocket. Closes desk, 
glances about, straightens cushions on couches, picks up tray of 
cigar ashes and throws contents out through port back. Piles 
wine glasses carelessly on tray and takes it down r.) Steward! 

Steward (off stage). Aye, aye, sir. 

Alling. Take these things. Quick! (Looks round again) 
Books? (Goes to bookshelf and runs lingers over backs) Hm ! 
Not much there! "Pitchers and Batters" (Takes it down) 
Might do. She used to go to the Yale games. Confound it! 
There isn't a lady's book here ! Why didn't I put in a few, 
just for the looks of the thing? Not even a " running brook" to 
find 'em in! Holy smoke! Here's one! (Takes down Shakes- 
peare) The " Noblest Roman of them all ! " (Picks up 
" Pitchers" and balances the two) He's a heavy weight. (Drops 
"Pitchers" on table) Let him stay. The other would have 
found use for him, and possibly I may. Now ! (Looks around 
again. Through all this scene he has worked in a sort of laugh- 
ing excitement. Now, all at once, he frowns and looks very seri- 
ous) Suppose — (Sits on chair, crossing arms on the back, and 

3 



a Under Sailing Orders 

muses) Hm! Suppose it doesn't work, and Tony gets wrathy. 
Suppose when I get out to sea, I find I'm stuck on a mud bank ! 
There's no way of telling what Tony will do ! There never was ! 
(Nods slowly and emphatically) I would just smash things — 
and say, " You go to — well, Thunder — or any other old place ! 
(Whistle heard outside. Alling jumps up, overturning chair) 
Bos'n's whistle ! (Rights chair, gives another glance about) 

(EXIT quickly r. e. 

Alling (off stage). Can't tell you how glad I am to welcome 
you on board the Lorelei ! Mind that rope's end ! Tom, you 
lazy rascal, didn't I tell you to clean ship before the ladies came 
aboard? 

Antonia (off stage). It is beautifully clean. 

Alling (off stage). Glad you think so. Yachtsmen have 
their standards, you know, as well as housekeepers. You 
wouldn't have a fathom or so of rope lying round the entrance 
to your drawing-room. 

Antonia (off stage, laughing). Well — no 

ENTER Alling r. e., followed by Antonia. 

Alling. This is the cabin. 

Antonia. Oh! What a beautiful room! And what luxury! 
Turkish rugs and cushions ! And Indian brasses ! Ray Ailing — 
(Stops suddenly, biting her lip) 

Alling (bozving deeply). Thank you! (Showing l. e.) 
This room is at your disposal. Will you make yourself comfort- 
able, while I give some orders? (Going) 

Antonia (recovering from a momentary chagrin). Yes — ■ 
certainly. Where shall I find Madam Lyon? 

Alling (turning back). Oh — I should have told you! I had 
a note from her just (Looks at watch) just fifteen minutes 
ago, to say that she was at the mercy of one of her sick head- 
aches, and a yacht would be — she didrt't say inferno, but it was 
its equivalant. 

Antonia (indignantly). Why didn't you send me word? 

Alling (reproachfully). Fifteen minutes ago? This yacht 
carries only one boat, and that was ashore — for you. 

Antonia. But the messenger ? 

Alling. That small grandson of hers, on his way across 
Frenchman's Bay, with a fishing party. I couldn't ask him to 
walk back, you know. 



Under Sailing Orders 5 

Antonia (excitedly). You didn't, for one moment, think I 
would go without her, did you ? 

Alling (slowly). That's as you say, you know. (Looks 
out) Good wind ! Too bad to miss it ! 

Antonia. (vexedly). But think how it would look. 

Alling. Look jolly well, / think. 

Antonia. Oh, you\ But what would all those people at the 
St. Sauveur think? 

Alling (thrusting hands in pockets and leaning against bulk- 
head). Can't prove it by me! No clairvoyance in mine! 

Antonia (laughing in spite of herself). Ray. 

Alling (bozuing with exaggeration). Again thank you! The 
formality of the hotel nearly made me forget my own name. I 
am more than pleased to recall it ! 

Antonia. You're not one bit better than you used to be ! 

Alling. Sad, but true ! (Pensively) I've had no one to make 
me better. " Of all sad words of tongue or pen — " 

Antonia (interrupting). You're incorrigible. You always 
were. 

Alling (meekly). Shall I order the yawl alongside again? 
(Looking out) Such a day for a run. 

Antonia. Yes — no — I don't know — (Sits at table, chin on 
hands) I suppose (Slowly) it wouldn't be so very dreadful — 
if no one knew ! And everyone at the St. Sauveur knew Madam 
Lyon was coming with me. 

Alling. It wasn't your fault if she didn't. 

Antonia. And I do love a yacht. 

Alling (meekly). And I am only an accessory. 

Antonia (laughing again). You! Accessory! You always 
made the others accessory to you. 

Alling (carelessly). All but Antonia Wayne ! She wouldn't 
be " accessory." Do I order the yawl, or do I give sailing orders? 
Miss Wayne commands the Lorelei — and the Lorelei's owner. 
(Bowing) 

Antonia (gaily). Thanks. Not I. It would be disastrous 
for the Lorelei. I am tempted to be reckless — and throw dis- 
cretion to the winds 

Alling. And waves? Do. 

Antonia. Well 

Alling (melodramatically). 'Tis well! 

(EXIT quickly R. E. 

Antonia (alone). Not very well, I'm afraid. But the temp- 
tation was great. Tony Wayne, be honest, and put that in the 



6 Under Sailing Orders 

plural. Oh, well, it is only one day! I might have one day! 
(Picks up "Pitchers and Batters" and carelessly turns the 
leaves. Grows absorbed, then laughs delightedly) Don't I 
remember that game ! The Yale boys cheered themselves 
hoarse, and then carried him home on their shoulders. They 
called themselves the " Ailing-Nine " that day. (Muses) And 
it all began that night. (Gives herself a little shake) Well — 
that's past history. Not interesting to the present generation ! 
(Firmly) And certainly not to you, Antonia Wayne, Churchill- 
to-be ! (Closes book decidedly, looks about, sees shelf and 
replaces book) You stay there! Mischief-maker! (Looks 
about cabin) What extravagance ! Unless he bought them 
in the East. Perhaps he did. Wonder if he has really been 
there? Not a sign -of a picture. And those Indian girls make 
such alluring pictures and are so beguiling. (Checks herself 
suddenly) And it does not concern you in the least, Antonia 
Wayne, whether they have been — are — or will be — in this in- 
stance. (GOES to l. e.) This is at my disposal. (Draws 
portiere) If it isn't the dearest, daintiest little room! Sea- 
weed effects, and mermaids to hold the lights and draw back 
the curtains ! Didn't know he had so much poetry in him. 
(Muses) I wonder who had the "disposal" of it last? (De- 
fiantly) Whoever you are, my dear, Oriental, or just plain 
United States, / am in possession to-day! (GOES into state- 
room, and returns presently without coat and hat. Laughs a 
little recklessly) I have thrown down the gauntlet to fate ! 
This one day is mine. Time enough to think of to-morrow 
when to-morrow comes. 

ENTER Alling r. e., with tray of sweetmeats and coffee. 

Alling. This is the poor modern substitute for the Arabian 
bread and salt. (Puts it down on table, and draws chair out 
for Antonia) Having eaten under my roof — and over my 
keel — you are safe as in your own house. 

Antonia (sitting at table). What 'comfortable assurance! 
(Takes sweetmeat) They look delicious. What are they? 
Turkish sweetmeats to match your furnishings? 

Alling. Not much ! I abhor them ! They are too deadly 
sweet! (Serving her with coffee) And I abominate Turkish 
coffee ! These are all plain United States — like 'em ? 

Antonia (tasting trifles and coffee). Delicious?! And the 
coffee is nectar. I couldn't make better myself. 



Under Sailing Orders 7 

Alling. I'll let you pass that on to the steward. He'll be 
elated. 

Antonia. Not if he is French. He would bow and say, 
" Mademoiselle is of so fine a perception." And inside it would 
be, " Mademoiselle is • of so great a conceit." (Laughing 
merrily) 

Alling. He's a Jap. Imported him myself. He'll see you and 
go you ten better on compliments every time. 

Antonia. So you hare been in the East?' 

Alling. A little. More in Eastern waters. When a poor 
devil has no home ties, and hasn't the spur of wondering where 
his next meal is coming from, and isn't a genius 

Antonia (laughing). And has the "Wanderlust" — "Poor 
Devil " — I'm not responsible for quotations. 

Alling. Or for the originator. 

Antonia (demurely). That is one of the few mercies Provi- 
dence has vouchsafed me. 

Alling. Yes. (Quoting) "For all these mercies," I trust 
you are " duly thankful." If the others have all the same nega- 
tive character, it is a little suggestive of the blessings of Nir- 
vana. You must have changed materially since the days of 
the Yale games, (slight pause) I never knew a more posi- 
tive young woman. 

Antonia (coolly). Only less so than a very positive young 
man I wot of. 

Alling (carelessly). Negations couldn't be charged against 
either of us. 

Antonia (rising and crossing to port, looks out). You were 
always so sure. 

Alling (meditatively). Sounds like old times. I thought 
you had forgotten them. 

Antonia (quickly and gaily). I have. Like the dial, I "num- 
ber only shining hours." Don't spoil to-day. I have been count- 
ing on counting this one. 

Alling. Your last day. That is, I mean — To-morrow will 
be your first. 

Antonia (dryly). " Sufficient unto the day." To-morrow may 
take thought for the things of itself. (Sits on couch) 

Alling (crossing to her, and speaking whimsically as he 
looks dozun at her). "Sufficient to the day is the" — Churchill 
— thereof. 

Antonia (quietly). Well? 

Alling. You lead me to infer that Churchill and evil are 



8 Under Sailing Orders 

synonymous. I'd hate to think that — for the sake of his future 
wife. 

Antonia (gaily). Your inferences are your own! Also I 
cannot imagine what interest you could have in Peyton Chur- 
chill's future wife. 

Alling (indifferently). Altruistic entirely. Being unattached, 
one gets into the habit of abstract interests. 

Antonia (irrelevantly). Why are we staying below? Let's 
go on deck ! 

Alling. By all means. Shall I bring your hat? (Goes to 

L. E.) 

Antonia. No. I love the wind in my hair. 

Alling. You may need a coat. 

Antonia (laughing). Not I! (Looking from port) How 
deliciously dark the water looks. 

Alling (going beside her and looking out). Yes — (Hesi- 
tating) the wind is shifting. It's a bit dubious, that color. 
Hope it won't spoil your day. (Walks with her to r. e. and 
waits for her to pass) 

Antonia (gaily). It can't, I don't mind rough weather. A 
smooth sea is monotony. 

Alling. And I never found you monotonous yet! 

(EXEUNT both r. e. 

CURTAIN. 



SCENE II 

SCENE. Same as Scene I. Stage nearly dark. 

ENTER Antonia r. e., running as if blown in by a strong wind, 
followed by Alling, who fastens the door behind them, ap' 
parently with difficulty; goes quickly to port and tries 
fastenings. 
Antonia (breathlessly unwinding scarf). What a wind ! And 
listen how it pours. 
Alling. Thought we should get a squall out of that cloud. 
Antonia. How dark it is ! (Sits on couch and pins up her 
hair, which is hanging and dishevelled) 

Alling (going quickly about). Wait until I make things 
fast, and you shall have light. (Goes to switch and turns on 
lights) There. You're not frightened? 



Under Sailing Orders g 

Antonia (turning suddenly). Why. Is there danger? 

Alling. Reckon not. She's weathered plenty of storms. 
There's a nasty ledge makes out here 

Antonia (looking from port). I can't see a thing but driving 
rain and long whipping foam streaks. We're running in, 
aren't we? 

Alling (emphatically) . We're running out! Did you think 
we could sail in the teeth of a gale like this? The only safe 
thing to do is to run before the wind. 

Antonia (excitedly). And what time shall we get back? 

Alling (aside, muttering). Never, I hope! (Briefly) Can't 
say. 

Antonia (sits tip suddenly). "Can't say?" (Bitterly) I 
am paying "dearly for my folly. 

Alling (sitting beside her and speaking very quietly). Not if 
I can help it. 

Antonia. But think of the tongues. 

Alling. I'll send a wireless when the storm blows over. 

Antonia. If only Madam Lyon had not chosen to-day for a 
headache. 

Alling (abruptly). Do you remember that night when the 
Yale crowd was caught down the Sound in just such a storm? 

Antonia. Do I? 

Alling (easily). That was before — you know. 

Antonia (coldly). Yes, as you say, "before" — Well? 

Alling (leaning tozvard her). Do you remember what we 
quarrelled about that evening? 

Antonia (rising and walking over to chair r. of table and 
leaning on the back). We were always quarrelling. What is 
the use of bringing that up now? 

Alling (whimsically). To show the uselessness of it then. 

Antonia (disdainfully). One generally sees the uselessness 
of quarrels — afterward. 

Alling. But, this was such a little thing. 

Antonia (in a toneless voice). Most of them were. 

Alling (leaning toward her, earnestly). Then you do remem- 
ber! 

Antonia (turning on him passionately). Yes — I remember — 
I remember Anna Steele's fluffy light hair— and her blue eyes — 
and her pouting lips, and the way she looked up at you— and — 
Oh, yes, I remember. What is the use of remembering such 
things ? 

Alling (rising and crossing to her). And when I came back, 
you would have nothing to say to me- — < 



IO TJnder Sailing Orders 

Antonia. What should I say? If you chose to amuse your- 
self in that fashion, what need to comment on it. 

Alling. You gave me no chance to explain. 

Antonia. It was quite superfluous. I saw, I saw her head 
on your shoulder, and saw you bending over her. Then I 
looked away. (Scornfully) It did not interest me to watch the 
finale. 

Alling (quietly). Pity you hadn't. Do you remember the 
next day? 

Antonia (passionately). Ray Ailing, this is intolerable! 
(Suddenly quiet) Of what use are all these interesting remi- 
niscences — if I may be permitted to inquire? 

Alling (going on as if she had not spoken). I called and 
asked to see you. The answer was that you were not " receiv- 
ing." And you sent me — by the maid — a certain small packet. 
I wrote you letters. They were returned unopened. I met you 
elsewhere. You bowed coolly, and passed me by. Once only 
you spoke to me. One day on the campus, you met me with that 
same girl, and you smiled and said, " My congratulations." 

Antonia (very quiet). Yes — Well? 

Alling. Well — I am going to tell you, Antonia Wayne, what 
you would not hear ten years ago. 

Antonia (indifferently, sitting in the chair on which she has 
been leaning). Doesn't it seem to you that you are stretching 
somewhat the privileges of a host? 

Alling (not heeding her). You condemned me then, un- 
heard. Now, circumstantial evidence is not legally conclusive. 
If you condemn me again, it will be with knowledge of the 
facts. 

Antonia (carelessly). Go on — if it amuses you. 

Alling (thrusts hands in his pockets and walks, then returns 
and stands before her). Anna Steele flirted with every fellow 
she could get hold of. Flirting was the breath of life to her, and 
— one hates to say it, but it is a fact — when they wouldn't make 
love to her, she made love to them. 

Antonia (indifferently). I really can see no reason for re- 
peating what all Yale knew — ten years ago. 

Alling. I had managed to keep clear of her till that night 

Antonia (satirically). It was a sudden attraction, then? 

Alling (moving and standing squarely before her). I had 
left you sheltered as well as I could manage, and had helped 
some of the boys to rig up some sail-cloth to keep off a little of 
the wind and wet, and on my way back, she laid hold of me. 



Under Sailing Orders II 

She was terribly frightened, apparently — and clung to me. De- 
clared she should fall if I didn't hold her. " The wind took her 
breath away," and when she finally got me to put my arm about 
her to hold her up, she just laid her head back on my shoulder, 
and looked up in my face, and said, " Oh, Ray, you have the 
nicest strong arm." — And I dropped her. That's the part you 
missed. I was so mad to think of the way she fooled me, I 
didn't care ! (Pause. Antonia looks up at him quickly, then 
drops her eyes again and sits very still, her hands tightly clasp- 
ing the arms of the chair) Then I went back to you. And 
the day you met us on the campus, was the first time I had seen 
her since that night. She joined me as I went across, and began 
teasing me about being cross with her, " She didn't mean any 
harm ! " and such stuff, and I was trying my best to shake her 
off — when the fates sent you across our track. 

Antonia (in a broken voice, putting out her hand). Ray — ■ 
(Pause. Alling bends over her, takes the hand in both his, and 
raises it to his lips) I — I'm sorry 

Alling (still holding the hand). Tony 

Antonia (leaning her head back so that she looks up in his 
face). Yes? 

Alling. Are you sorry for me or for yourself? 

Antonia. For both, I think. But most for the girl who relied 
on that " circumstantial evidence." 

Alling (bending nearer her). Did she care? 

Antonia. If she hadn't cared, would she have been so in- 
sanely jealous? If she could have laughed at it and said, "It's 
only fooling." But she couldn't laugh. She raged! Oh, Ray, 
I'm sorry. Sorry when it is too late. 

Alling (quoting). "While the lamp holds out to burn." 

Antonia (laughing). You're not flattering. I know I am a 
" vile sinner," but I see no possibility of a " return." 

Alling (quoting). "While there's life there's hope." You 
see my early education was along primitive lines. 

Antonia (raising her left hand to show ring). Peyton 
Churchill comes to-morrow. 

Alling. Tell me, Tony, if Churchill hadn't butted in, in this 
unseemly fashion 

Antonia. But he has. It's no use ! 

Alling. But, just supposing. (Takes chair on the other 
side of the table) Suppose I had been drifting about the 
world — as I have — and just succeeded in getting a hearing in 
the case — and the counsel had convinced the jury. Would the 



12 Under Sailing Orders 

judge award damages to the plaintiff, if Churchill hadn't butted 
in? 

Antonia (laughing and hesitating). Well — possibly 

Alling. And the plaintiff would pay said damages 

Antonia. But if she couldn't, you know 

Alling (rising). But I don't know. "There's many a slip" 
— more early education. 

Antonia (sitting up very straight). You don't think I would 
be so dishonorable as to throw him over? With my wedding 
gown in my trunk. 

Alling (beaming). Is it? I am delighted. (Stands with 
hands in his pockets) 

Antonia (puzzled). Delighted. You! I thought 

Alling (smiling broadly). Such an apropos bit of fore- 
thought on your part. I hope it is soft white silk, not that 
horrid stiff satin. 

Antonia (bewildered). It is silk — but 

Alling. Was that Churchill's idea, or yours? 

Antonia. Mine. He wanted satin. 

Alling. All the better. Indulge him. Let him have 
satin, by all means. (Laughs recklessly) 

Antonia (utterly mystified). But, I am going to be married 
in that silk. 

Alling. Oh, that's another matter. 

Antonia (rising and coming round to him). Will you tell 
me, Ray, why you are talking all this hilarious nonsense about 
my wedding gown? 

Alling (putting his arm about her). Because I have a 
personal interest in it. 

Antonia (slipping out of his arm). You're excused this 
once, Ray, for the sake of old times, but I have no right — 
(Lays her hand on his breast) Don't you see, it wouldn't be 
fair. (Alling catches her hand in both his. She suddenly 
lays her head on the clasped hands and stands perfectly still, 
then breaks into passionate weeping) I would, Ray, I would. 
(Sobbing) But, I have given my word ! 

Alling. I had first innings on that score ! Aside) And 
mean to keep them. 

Antonia (face still hidden). But, I took it back. 

Alling. Not legal! I didn't receive it. (Lifts her head, 
and looks into her eyes, then gravely leads her to couch, and 
piles cushions behind her) There, is that quite to your liking? 

Antonia. Exactly. 



Under Sailing Orders 13 

Alling. Then, let's consider the matter. 

Antonia. But, Ray, there is nothing to consider. I am bound. 
Alling. Under a misapprehension! (With mock gravity) 
If I understand you aright, Miss Wayne, if certain facts con- 
nected with the plaintiff had come to your knowledge before 
a certain Churchill made a subsequent proposition, that prop- 
osition would not have been entertained by you — nor the pro- 
poser. — Am I right? 

Antonia (laughing). Is this a quiz? 

Alling (with ponderous solemnity). Witness — not being 
put under oath — takes advantage of that fact to evade question 
number one. Kindly state the motive urged for this later con- 
tract. 

Antonia. Ray, you are absurd. If you really want to know 

; — he was lonely — and so was I — and 

Alling. And so am I. And, as Churchill butted in where I 
had staked my claim long before, I made up my mind — if I 
could prove my claim — to hold it ! 
Antonia (demurely). I being "It?" 

Alling. Exactly. And, having proven it — (Holds out his 
hands) Tony. 

Antonia (appealingly). Don't Ray. I told you I have given 
my word. 

Alling (rising and standing before her). For which reason 
this yacht is steering, as fast as the squall will let her, for the 
Mediterranean. 
Antonia (springing to her feet). To the Mediterranean! 
Alling. And I have a parson chap aboard, who can make 
the trip a perfectly proper elopement. 

Antonia (furiously). Elopement! Abduction! Ray Ailing, 
are you crazy? Or do you think I am? 

Alling (quietly). I hope neither. And if you will put on 
that white silk gown, I'll put on a perfectly new evening suit- 
ordered for the occasion 

Antonia (still furious). You seem to have "ordered" 
everything! Will you kindly tell me how I am to carry out 
your program — with my trunk at the St. Sauveur, and I steering 
toward the Mediterranean? 

Alling (smiling). You will find your trunk in your room. 
It was brought in after we went out on deck. (Antonia walks 
swiftly to l. e. and swings aside portiere, then leans helplessly 
against the doorway, looking at Alling. Alling holding out 
his Itands) Tony! 



14 Under Sailing Orders 

Antonia. How did you get it? 

Alling. The yawl went back for it, with a letter explaining 
that you had decided to make a cruise. 

Antonia. And who ? 

Alling. The housekeeper attended to it. (Coming over and 
standing before her) It was a high-minded proceeding, Tony, 
I admit it. 

Antonia. Think of the tongues ! And poor Churchill ! 

Alling. It was " poor Churchill " who drove me to it. I 
really did not plan the abduction (Pauses) until I heard that 
Churchill was coming to-morrow, and that you were to be 
married at once. It was my one chance, and I took it ! 

Antonia. And me! (Still angrily) Whether I would or no. 

Alling. Not quite. We can go back. Madam Lyon will not 
announce our marriage until to-morrow. 

Antonia. Announce our marriage! You had a confederate, 
then. And the headache was part of the confederacy? 

Alling. Couldn't have done it half so well without that dear 
old lady. I told her my tale of woe — and she's a " Mother in 
Israel," Tony — whatever that may be. 

Antonia (dryly). So it seems, for you. 

Alling. She hired your maid — I forgot to tell you you have 
a maid aboard. And the parson chap was an old friend, visiting 
her, and she convinced him that a yachting trip to the Mediter- 
ranean would be the best thing in the world for him. We 
didn't tell him, you see. 

Antonia (ironically). How considerate! I am quite pre- 
pared to hear that she settled my hotel bill and tipped my 
waiter. 

Alling. Don't let that bother you. I — (Checks himself sud- 
denly) 

Antonia (scandalised). You! You paid my hotel bill? 

Alling. That was a slip — I didn't mean to tell you. Still, 
since I meant to assume all your bills — and since you were 
here 

Antonia (exasperated). Oh, go on. 

Alling. There was no reason, you know, why I should not 
accommodate you, if you hadn't your cheque book aboard — 
(Antonia stands leaning with folded arms against the portiere, 
her eyes cast down) Tony — (She docs not speak or move) 
Tony — (Very low) Are you going back — to Churchill? 

Antonia (without raising her eyes). You have made that im- 
possible. 



Under Sailing Orders 13 

Along (eagerly). No — no! You are wrong! You intended 
to make a cruise and sent for your trunk, but the storm put 
you out of humor with yachting, and you gave it up. There 
were to be other ladies aboard — comment is impossible — even 
from Churchill. 

Antonia (scornfully). How well you know Peyton Churchill 
— and me. 

Alling (earnestly) . Tony. You can't think I would risk a 
scandal! I may be a brute, but not that kind. We covered 
every point. There could never be a word of comment. 

Antonia (dryly). Except, possibly, from the man who looked 
for a bride — and found none. Also possibly from the woman 
who " eloped! " (Alling sits suddenly in chair l. of table and 
stares at Antonia. She still stands against the portiere, in the 
same attitude, except that her hands are lightly clasped before 
her. She does not look at him, and her face and tone are both 
expressionless. Pause) 

Alling (rises and walks fiercely back and forth. Finally 
stops, center stage, facing her). I have been a brute! I had no 
right. It was cowardly. If I couldn't win in a fair field, I 
didn't deserve to win. I always had a contempt for the fellow 
that gave an under-hand blow, and now I — I tell you honestly, 
Antonia Wayne, that I have no use for Raymond Alling. And 
the Lorelei will put about, and run for Bar Harbor, as soon as 
this beastly wind blows over. Meanwhile 

Antonia (coolly). Meanwhile ? 

Alling. I will relieve you of my presence, and send the 
steward with your dinner. (Going r.) 

Antonia (demurely). Do I dine alone? 

Alling (turning back). I thought you would prefer it. 

Antonia. I would prefer dining with my host — and the 
"parson chap." 

Alling. Oh, all right! The parson'll be a good buffer. He 
doesn't know anything. 

Antonia (looking down but smiling slightly). And if you 
don't mind, that is, if the steward doesn't mind, I'd like time 
to dress before dinner — and I would prefer you to dress too. 

Alling Oh, hang it! (Checking himself) Why, yes, cer- 
tainly, if you prefer it, but on a yacht, you know it's not " de 
rigeur." 

Antonia (looking him full in the face for the first time, and 
smiling mischievously). But you have a suit, you know, "or- 
dered specially for the occasion." 



16 Under Sailing Orders 

Alling (striding to her, and catching her Kandi\ T«« I 
Antonia (a little breathlessly). Yes? } ' y! 

Alling. What are 3>ow going to wear ? 

AlIT^ I * hink 7< P ^) ^ ^ft white silk. 
Alling (catching her m his arms). Tony-Tony ■ 
Antonia (j«ton</ *„ orww a& , . y °^- 

^w" d tr f rs ss^r* ,rkk? (A ™"- ^ 

.he^ra,^^ tu ££ *7^- ' *"*«* But 

A TTTWr /, . • . ' y , know - (Lays ring on table) 

Alling (taking ring-box from bnrhet w * • • 
Putting it back) Wrong one' iwl h ^-"^ *' ^ M 
that one rr„Lr 7 / Parson has to interfere with 

anl ^ i^Z^JTstotZ TT r ' tak€S ^ fr ° m « 
on again some day. We' 1 send the othZT vT' V Ut this 
terranean. e ° ther back from the Medi- 

Antonia (smiling at him). Since I am under sailing orders. 
QUICK CURTAIN. 





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